2011 Dodge Journey Review
The 2011 Dodge Journey is available with a choice of two engines. The entry-level Express model gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are expected to be 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.
Dodge Journey
All other Journey trim levels are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option. Dodge estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for front-drive and 16/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Jay Leno Drives The 2011 Challenger 392
The Green With Envy Challenger 392. Image: Jay Leno’s Garage
When it comes to domestic cars, I’ve always been more of a Ford guy than anything else. I’ve never owned a Chevy, I’ve owned but one Plymouth (made by Mitsubishi), but I’ve owned four Fords. Despite this, I’ll admit to loving the lines of the Dodge Challenger, which is (in my mind, at least) the best looking of all the retro muscle cars. Like the Mustang, it tries to stay true to the early design, without adding the “contemporary styling flair” of the new Camaro. Unfortunately, like the Camaro, it’s just too damn big to be much fun on a racetrack. Or is it? A recent conversation with Dodge’s Ralph Gilles has me re-thinking that, and like Jay Leno I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one. Take a look at the video below (which also features Gilles) and tell me you don’t want to go lay some rubber.
During a recent lunch presentation, Gilles said that the new Challenger “drives 1,000 pounds lighter” than the car actually is. I loved that comparison, because I instantly knew what he was talking about. The 2011 Mustang, for example, feels lighter than its curb weight of 3,605 pounds. The 2011 Camaro 2SS, on the other hand, feels a lot heavier than its 3,860 pounds. Could the suspension changes made to the Challenger have produced a car that’s livable for the occasional track day? I won’t know for sure until I drive one, but I suspect the answer is yes. I think the hot setup for track use will be the 5.7 liter Hemi version with the Super Track Pak suspension, even if it is down on horsepower from the 6.4 liter Hemi (called the 392). The smaller engine is about 100 pounds lighter, which should help with the cars balance. As soon as I get to test my theory, I’ll let you know.
Categories: AutomotiveAddicts, Dodge Tags: Challenger, Drives, Leno
First Look: 2011 Dodge Avenger
Dodge‘s midsize Avenger doesn’t get the same amount of recognition as its larger Charger brother, and in some respects has become a forgotten car in the Dodge stable. But the Mopar boys are hoping to change that with an updated 2011 Dodge Avenger.
Following in the footsteps of the its recently revealed Chrysler 200 sibling, the 2011 Avenger is a stopgap to freshen things up until an all-new, Fiat-based model arrives in a few years’ time.
You’ll notice the drab black, gray, and silver Avenger interior of old has left the building. As you step into the cockpit you’re greeted by the colorful gauge cluster and updated steering wheel. Dodge ordered new cloth and leather material for the seats, which are now appointed with more cushioning and retuned base springs. Soft-touch armrests envelop the innards, and 45 new or upgraded sound-dampening treatments have been installed to help quiet the ride.
Categories: Auto Review, Car Review, Dodge Tags: Dodge
2011 Dodge Charger: First official images, details released
The hotly anticipated 2011 Dodge Charger has beat a path onto the Internet in a million little ways, but this is the first complete, undisguised look that we have of the redesigned muscle sedan after a seemingly endless stream of spy shots and leaks.2011 Dodge Charger, rear viewSaid to be more closely inspired by the second-generation Charger of 1968-1970, the rear/all-wheel-driver picks up the classic model’s full-width rear taillamps but goes without the original’s hidden front lighting.
Report: Carroll Shelby done with building cars, wants to sell more parts
When you hear the name Carroll Shelby, what comes to mind? First and foremost, it’s probably the legendary automobiles that have carried his name, specifically the Cobra and Mustang. Some may also recall the series of Dodge vehicles that he collaborated on, and others may think of his stint as a successful race car driver.
Something that probably doesn’t come to mind, though, is a burgeoning parts business. If ol’ Shelby has his way, that may soon change. In a recent interview, Shelby had this to say in regards to the future direction of his eponymous company:
“I want to build fewer cars and sell more parts. It’s hard to make any money on a car. But our parts business is growing 15 to 20 percent a year. We are downsizing and going for the parts business… Simplify the business – that’s what I’m saying. And that’s what I’m doing in Las Vegas.”
Categories: Dodge Tags:
Detroit Auto Show 2010: Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition a fitting end note
We heard about it in Los Angeles, and now we see it here in the D. Meet the 1:33 Edition of Dodge’s most potent ever Viper. Why the name? We’re glad you asked. Back in November, hot-shoe Dodge Chris Winkler managed to hammer the track-focused Viper ACR around Laguna Seca in 1:33.944, faster than any other production car has ever gone (Note: the spoiler says 1:33.915). Impressive, no? Only 33 of these special Vipers are being built.
Here’s what makes ‘em so grand: Thanks to new, more bonkers gearing, the 600-horsepower monster does everything quicker. Try this statistic on for size: 0 to 202 miles-per-hour happens 14 seconds quicker with this 2010 Viper ACR than the 2009 model. Can we get a wolf whistle? The 1:33 Edition also gets a unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color, the inverse of the original ACR, as well as modified end caps on its massive carbon-fiber wing, too. We’re going to miss the uncircumsized Dodge Viper (how would you describe it?), but at least it’s going out with a big bang.
More excellent images and reports about Detroit Auto Show in AutoPage:
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Dodge Nitro Detonator is massively yellow
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Audi e-tron take zwei… or drei
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe shows mild freshening, new engines
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring
+ Detroit 2010: BMW ActiveE concept is all charged up and ready to go
+ Detroit 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid coming to Geneva, no mild hybrids… ever
+ Detroit 2010: Mini Beachcomber Concept leaves the doors behind
+ Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept ready to replace STS/DTS
+ Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX gets facelift, MyLincoln Touch
+ 2012 Ford Focus Next Generation Revealed for 2010 Detroit Auto Show
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show:GMC Granite concept offers professional grade bix box styling
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preivew: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe muscles in with a quickness and a thickness
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show:Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator
+ GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter
+ GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit Auto Show 2010
+ Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to 2010 Detroit Auto Show
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7
+ GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit Auto Show 2010
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials
Categories: Auto Show, Coupe, Detroit Auto Show, Dodge Tags:
Detroit Auto Show 2010: Dodge Nitro Detonator is massively yellow
Dodge is rolling out three special edition Nitros here at the Detroit Auto Show named Heat, Detonator and Shock. For now, we’re focusing on the Detonator, a massively loud yellow mid-size SUV. Aside from the eye-scorching paint, the Nitro Detonator gets standard 20-inch wheels, eight premium speakers hooked into a 368-watt amp plus a nine-inch subwoofer. Tinted glass, too.
The real news, however, is the engine. All three special edition Nitros get an aluminum 4.0-liter V6 that makes 23 percent more horsepower and 12 percent more torque. Specifically, the overhead cam V6 pumps out 260 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. That’s some decent grunt, though a 4.0-liter-V6-powered Nissan Pathfinder makes 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. However, the Nitro Detonator has gray stripes on the hood. Costs $25,995, too.
More excellent images and reports about Detroit Auto Show in AutoPage:
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Audi e-tron take zwei… or drei
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe shows mild freshening, new engines
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring
+ Detroit 2010: BMW ActiveE concept is all charged up and ready to go
+ Detroit 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid coming to Geneva, no mild hybrids… ever
+ Detroit 2010: Mini Beachcomber Concept leaves the doors behind
+ Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept ready to replace STS/DTS
+ Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX gets facelift, MyLincoln Touch
+ 2012 Ford Focus Next Generation Revealed for 2010 Detroit Auto Show
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show:GMC Granite concept offers professional grade bix box styling
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preivew: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe muscles in with a quickness and a thickness
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show:Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator
+ GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter
+ GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit Auto Show 2010
+ Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to 2010 Detroit Auto Show
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series
+ 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7
+ GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit Auto Show 2010
+ Detroit Auto Show 2010 Preview: Volvo C30 EV evolves for road trials
Categories: Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Dodge, SUV Tags:
2010 Detroit Auto Show:Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator
A few weeks ago, everyone, including us, was wondering when The Chrysler Group was going to have anything new to show us at next week’s Detroit Auto Show. You can look at the latest news about potential Ram models, Chrysler’s special editions and Dodge’s just-unveiled offerings either as wheezing gasps, or signs of pointing in the right direction. Since it’s a new year, we’re going to give Chrysler (and Fiat) the benefit of the doubt… for now.
Dodge says it “has taken ‘base model’ out of its vocabulary” by moving heaps of kit from the Options column to the Standard column on cars like the Journey, which for 2010 will automatically receive 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, sunscreen glass, body-color mirrors, floor mats and passenger grab handles. It has also added “Heat,” “Hero,” “Crew,” and “Uptown” packages to the Journey’s options list for those who like trim names that sound like they came from an SNL skit.
Categories: Auto Show, Chrysler, Detroit Auto Show, Dodge Tags: Chrysler, Detroit Auto Show, Dodge
First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds
Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General Motors offered competitive haulers. That all changed a year later when Dodge set the pickup truck market on its leaf springs with the introduction of its all-new Dodge Ram. With a big-rig appearance thanks to an imposing front grille that looked ready to kick you in the Truck Nutz, Dodge’s truck sales tripled inside of 12 months and gave load-hauling manly men a real alternative to Ford and Chevy. But while Dodge hit a home run with the 1994 Ram, the Penta-horned brand didn’t have a heavy-duty option in its lineup until 2003, and an all-important diesel powerplant didn’t come online until 2004. In 2008, Dodge filled out its pickup lineup with heavy-duty 4500 and 5500 variants, finally giving Chrysler‘s trucking arm the range of choices necessary to get plucky with the competition from Detroit and Dearborn.
